Integrative taxonomy of the pavlovophyceae (haptophyta) : a reassessment

TitleIntegrative taxonomy of the pavlovophyceae (haptophyta) : a reassessment
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2011
AuthorsBendif EM, Probert I, Hervé A, Billard C, Goux D, Lelong C, Cadoret JP, Véron B
JournalProtist
Volume162
Pagination738–761
Keywords2011, ASSEMBLE, rcc, RCC1523, rcc1524, rcc1525, RCC1526, RCC1527, RCC1528, RCC1529, RCC1530, RCC1531, RCC1532, RCC1533, RCC1534, RCC1535, RCC1536, RCC1537, RCC1538, RCC1539, RCC1540, RCC1541, RCC1542, RCC1543, RCC1544, RCC1545, RCC1546, RCC1548, RCC1549, RCC1551, RCC1552, RCC1553, RCC1554, RCC1557, SBR$_\textrmP$hyto$_\textrmE$PPO
Abstract

The Pavlovophyceae (Haptophyta) contains four genera (Pavlova, Diacronema, Exanthemachrysis and Rebecca) and only thirteen characterised species. Considering the importance of members of this class, we constructed molecular phylogenies inferred from sequencing of ribosomal gene markers with comprehensive coverage of the described diversity and using type strains when available add on culture strains. Moreover, the morphology and ultrastructure of 12 of the described species was re-examined and the pigment signatures of many culture strains were determined. The molecular analysis revealed that sequences of all described species differed, although those of Pavlova gyrans and P. pinguis were nearly identical, these potentially forming a single cryptic species complex. Four well-delineated genetic clades were identified, one of which included species of both Pavlova andDiacronema. Unique combinations of morphological/ultrastructural characters were identified foreach of these clades. The ancestral pigment signature of the Pavlovophyceae consisted of a basic set of pigments plus MV chl cPAV, the latter being entirely absent in the Pavlova + Diacronema clade and supplemented by DV chl cPAV in part of the Exanthemachrysis clade. Based on this combination of characters, we propose a taxonomic revision of the class, with transfer of several Pavlova species to an emended Diacronema genus. The evolution of the class is discussed in the context of the phylogenetic reconstruction presented.

DOI10.1016/j.protis.2011.05.001